The Final Journey Multi-Cache
Lorgadh: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
Regards
Karen
Lorgadh - Volunteer UK Reviewer
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This is a multi cache over reasonable terrain, although like everywhere else in Scotland it can be very muddy. It earns 2 as the final thirty metres need careful negotiation.
Right lets go.
Please Park at The Coordinates. As you will see, parking anywhere else leads to severe obstruction. Watch out for the peacocks and geese in West cottage.
In winter wellies or walking boots are a must. Also a nice area for mountainbiking with the weans. It can be busy with muggles so please take care to hide the caches well. All the usual rules apply as it is farmland. However please don't desist from bringing your doggie because they will love it. (despite the signs..there are not always sheepy mehs about. So, let common sense prevail.)
Eagles are said to be nesting on the cliffs.....I've spotted the eagles but not the nest.
In all there are three caches.
1. Micro Cache.......you'll need to work for this one.
2. Medium Cache..... In here are the coordinates for the third cache.
3. Bumper Cache......Thought and care are needed as you approach this, especially in summer you may never be seen again.
Regarding contents....well you'll just have to complete the journey and I hope that you consider them interesting and worthy of the effort.
In the earliest times, the castle is reputed to have been the last mainland resting place for the bodies of former Scottish kings (from the times of Kenneth MacAlpine until the reign of Malcolm Canmore), which were brought by road from the east of Scotland to be ferried by birlinn from Portencross. Leaving Farland Head for the treacherous waters round the Mull of Kintyre, the Kings Birlin(galley) would head across the sound of Jura, through the Sound of Islay, then North up the west coast of this majestic island to coffin bay. Here the finishing touches would be put to the funeral galley before heading west once more on the flood tide from the Gulf of Corryvreckan along the Ross of Mull to the mystical Isle of Iona for burial.
Rich in history, and with a magnificent scenic outlook Portencross, formerly Port in Cross and previously known variously as Portus Cruis (It stands on the site of a Roman fort), Pencross, Port na Crois and Portcroash, was at one time a harbour of some importance. The present castle was built during the reign of Robert II (1370-1390). There appear to be seven extant charters in existence of his and following reigns all signed at Portencross castle. The current Castle and the lands of Ardneil were in possession of the Boyd's of Kilmarnock who were cousins to Robert II. The castle continued to be inhabited until 1739 when it was passed into the hands of the Crauford's of Auchnames at about this time. William Adams Esq. purchased the castle earlier this century. From William Adams the Castle and the surrounding village passed to the South of Scotland Electricity Board, then to Scottish Nuclear and on the 1st of April 1997 it was 'inherited' by Magnox a wholly government owned company who have responsibility for decommissioning Hunterston 'A' power station. The castle has remained as a romantic ruin and is a 'Listed Ancient Monument'
Anyway on with the cache. If you don't find the micro cache, then you wont find the second, or the third. Hey don't be put off the only work is for the first as the other coordinates will be in the cache box.
OK! Starting in the car park.
A. There are big round black things here..note the number!
B. How many Slanty heided widden sodjers guard the carport from sea invaders?
(encrypted translation for those from abroad- "Ubj znal fybcvat gbccrq jbbqra fbyqvref...etc.)
C. The number of doors into the Castle.?
D. How many windows still able to be used as windows in the walls of the castle?
E. How many anchors above the west door of Shore Cottage?
F. How many bollards on the concrete pier?
The coordinates for the micro cache are:
N 55* 42.UVW W 004* 54.XYZ
Now apply the formula as follows:
U = A + 1
V = B add both digits and drop the zero
W = E + C + 1
X = E
Y = F + C - 1
Z = A + F
This will take you to the micro cache. From there everything should be straightforward
When you get to the second cache take time out to wander towards the pier at the power station . Look North and there thrashing in the sea is the Hunterston Sea Monster. Locally known as the Hunterston Bubble, it can at times be awesome. Be careful it doesn't get you though.
Good luck and happy hunting.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Zvpeb Pnpur...Va gur ebpx nobhg gjryir cnprf ol 280* zntargvp sebz gur zrgny cbfg
Uvag 2 :va pnfr gur nobir trgf jnfurq njnl....04 zvyrf ba ornevat 86* zntargvp, ng gur sbbg bs n ynetr gerr.
Zrqvhz pnpur....Va gur jnyy oruvaq gur gerr.(nobhg fvk srrg gb gur yrsg)
Ohzcre pnpur....Va n Cbbgre yvxr ubyr va gur sbbg bs gur ebpxsnpr oruvaq n zhygv gehaxrq gerr.
Treasures
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